Sunday, September 26, 2010

Henricus "Rick" Vandenhurk of the Baltimore Orioles is from Eindhoven. So far this year Rick has pitched in a combined eight games for the Florida Marlins and the Baltimore Orioles striking out 13 major league batters in 13 innings. At 6'5 and 215 lbs, this right handed pitcher is a very intimidating and dominant pitcher on the mound. Rick is the first Dutch born pitcher to play in the major leagues since Bert Blyleven (Twins, Blue Jays, Rangers, Pirates, Indians and Angels) and Ferenc Jongejan (Cubs) so Rick is already doing a great job caring on the Dutch legacy in the big leagues. It is great to see a Dutchman currently pitching in the big leagues. Hopefully Rick will have a great 2011 and a great career in the big leagues.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Seattle Mariners Outfielder Gregory Halman from Haarlem, Nederland is currently hitting .243 with 33 home runs, 80 Rbi and 15 stolen bases for Triple A Tacoma. Halman is clearly the top Dutch prospect in all of minor league baseball and with 33 home runs, has to be the top prospect for the Seattle Mariners. Im hoping that in 2011, Seattle will give Greg a chance to make their big league team. Halman has a chance to hit for some serious power in the big leagues and will for sure turn the world attention to Dutch players making contributions to the major leagues. Born in Haarlem, Nederland, Halman has a chance to be the first Dutch born position player in the big leagues in a long time.